Houston's S.W.A.T. Team

Officer Travis Merrill from the Houston Police Department's SWAT Team was our guest speaker this week.

Swat Teams are highly trained tactical units that are used in high risk situations such as the execution of search warrants, hostage rescue and apprehension of barricaded suspects. Swat teams utilize high tech weaponry and advanced tactics to nuetralize threats and apprehend violent and dangerous criminals. With the increased threat of terrorism the role of swat teams has expanded and their importance has never been greater. Swat teams are comprised of select Police Officers who are proficient with firearms, physically fit, and tactically sound.

The birth of Law Enforcement Swat Teams can be attributed to the Los Angelas Police Department during the 1970’s when they were faced with several situations where heavily armed suspects engaged Officers. The LAPD understood that certain situations called for teams of highly trained Officers who had the equipment and weapons to deal with these situations.

Swat Team Duties:

• Hostage rescue
• High risk search warrants
• Apprehension of barricaded or heavily armed suspects
• Dignitary protection
• Anti-terrorism

Guests, Visitors and Other Good News

Karen Blakeman introduced the club to Belinda Postman Kaylani, an interior designer who works i coordiation with Karen on design projects. Delores Delsing once again had Loba Nesterova as her guest. City Counsel candidate Robert Kane and one of his volunteers, Issac Alfaro, visited with us this week. Lt. Governor Judy Harwell also paid us a visit this week. Y'all come back now...hear?

Wayne Staton, Judy Harwell, Karen Blakeman and Belinda Postman Kaylani	Issac Alfaro and Robert Kane

Arif Saleem has brought back four of the Polio Plus canisters he had placed around the community for donations. This week Jon King presented our Rotary Foundation Chair Wyane Staton with a "check" for over $700.00 from these four caisters. Way to go!

Jeff Novy received his new Paul Harris Fellowship pin from Wayne Staton representing Jeff's continuing dedication to aking annual donations to the Rotary Foundation.

Jeff Novy & Wayne Staton	Wayne Staton receives check from Jon King

President Bola led the assembled gang in a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday" to recognize another for both Rory Olsen and Delores Delsing.

Rory Olden and Delore Delsing

Candy Factory and Pier 61 Club Social

On Saturday, August 29th, club members, family and friends had a social outing. We visited the Kegg's Candy Factory on Westpark and learned a littel of how they make candy. We then browsed the showroom and took home some terribly good candies. We then adjourned to Pier 61 for diner together.

It was a wonderful event and was enjoyed by all in attendance. Visit the photo gallery for the event HERE

Coming Up At Rotary